Pelata You gotta love a band who writes songs about killing zombies and transforming into bloodthirsty monsters. Especially when it’s combined with NWOBHM influences and nimble musicianship. Such the case with Raleigh, NC’s Colossus. Abandoning their punk rock aspirations, these five young men fully embraced their love of all things Heavy Metal with the EP release Drunk on Blood, the follow-up to their full length release …And The Rift Of The Pan Dimensional Under-Gods.

I know there are lots of NWOBHM influenced bands seemingly appearing out of thin air these days. But, don’t lump Colossus in with all the bullet-belt wearing 21 year-olds playing dress-up and pretending to be more metal than thou. These guys play with heart and sincerity while still maintaining a fun attitude. I mean, how serious can you be with lyrics like “Man-flesh between my jaws…” (from track number five “Wendigo”) or “Burn the brain, make them stay down” (from the fist-raising, zombie-vanquishing “Kill More Better”). Galloping, harmonized guitars, head-banging tempos, ripping solos, clear vocals and fantasy lyrics…somebody get me a beer! The five tracks here, those mentioned above as well as “The Mountain That Rides”, “A Year Later (There’s Still Meat Left In The Skull)”, and “The Operative” (a lyrical homage to the sci-fi series Firefly) are a full-on heavy metal good time!

If forced to complain, then its too short. Five songs isn’t enough. Colossus isn’t out to play the “stone-faced artist” routine. They’re honoring the spirit of metal, spreading blood, sweat & guitars! Fans of early Maiden, Witchkiller, Saxon & Thin Lizzy‘s heavier moments should be all over this. While a glance at their band picture calls to mind a gathering of hipster-doofi, Colossus is all metal, all the time. You can keep Enforcer, Black Tide and whatever other band is currently trying on the spike-wristed skin of the past, I wanna get Drunk on Blood!